Hello Dr. Feinberg,

I believe I was exposed to HIV 4 months ago. I tested negative after 10 weeks, however I developed Candida in my mouth and throat after 6 weeks. My first question is, can HIV weaken my immune system enough in 6 weeks to cause Candida? Also, since I am not HIV+, I can not start antiviral meds, so for now I am being seen a treated by ENT with Diflucan (100mg/day - going on 15 days, and Mycelex - 4 times a day). My second question is, if I do have HIV, can I expect the ENT treatment to cure the Candida, or do I need to start antiviral meds to boost my immune system? Also, have you seen patients develop Candida this soon after exposure to HIV? Thank you!

It is possible to sustain enough damage to your immune system soon after acquiring HIV to develop thrush or even more serious OIs. It is unusual that your thrush hasn't cleared with more than 2 weeks of fluconazole (Diflucan)-- are you sure you've got the right diagnosis? Antifungal drugs should be sufficient to clear thrush, even in an HIV+ person who is not on anti-HIV meds.